What Is Online Reputation Marketing and Why Is It Important?
Whether it's something good or bad, online reputation marketing can help establish your brand image and the market's perception of it. Learn more here.
What are consumers saying about your business online? About 93% of users say online reviews impact their buying decisions. If you're neglecting online reputation marketing, you could lose customers.
In fact, 75% of businesses don't respond to negative reviews. Your customers may feel ignored, which can hurt your brand image.
What is reputation marketing, exactly, and why is it important? Read on to find out!
What Is Online Reputation Marketing?
Online reputation marketing (or management) involves monitoring and shaping the public perception of your brand. Managing your online reputation can safeguard your brand image and identity.
Consumers rely on online reviews to determine which companies they can trust. In fact, consumers read an average of 10 online reviews before they're ready to trust a local business. It takes 40 before they believe the accuracy of a star rating.
Online reputation companies can help with:
- Review generation
- Survey campaign management
- Review marketing
- Online reputation repair
- Social media follower growth
- Search engine reputation management
- Reputation marketing
For example, you should actively encourage customers to share online reviews. You should monitor and respond to the positive and negative reviews you receive. Engaging with customers can encourage brand trust and loyalty.
The Importance
Neglecting online reputation management is equivalent to neglecting your customers. Here are a few reasons you should invest in reputation management.
Control Your Brand Image
Remaining proactive will allow you to control the narrative around your brand. You can maintain a positive public perception.
Responding to negative reviews allows you to offer solutions. Customers will recognize you care about their needs. If you're not responding, they may take their business elsewhere.
Improve Search Engine Rankings
Generating reviews can benefit your local search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. SEO helps your business rank higher on search engines. Higher rankings can generate:
- Brand awareness and recognition
- Website traffic
- Leads and sales
- A better ROI
- Credibility and authority
Ask customers to share their reviews on your Google Business listing. You could appear in Google's Local Pack, leading to more traffic.
Increase Trust
Consumers may not trust your brand if you're not generating reviews. Reviews act as a form of social proof.
You'll gain credibility and authority within your niche. Consumers will feel reassured about your products, services, and brand. Engaging with customers can improve your customer service strategy.
You can understand customer sentiments and make changes to how you operate. One-time customers could become long-term, loyal customers. Gaining loyal customers will improve your ROI.
Boost Profitability
Consumers may only trust your brand after reading online reviews. Generating brand trust will encourage them to give your business a chance. They may decide to shop after reading reviews.
You can leverage online reviews as a form of word-of-mouth marketing. As your online reputation improves, you'll attract new customers.
Invest in Reputation Marketing Today
Don't neglect your online reputation marketing strategy. Instead, show customers you care about their needs. Responding to reviews can increase trust, leading to future sales.
Your business website can hurt your brand's credibility. Invest in your website and improve your online presence.
Our team at BEGO can save you time and money with basic business websites. Discover our range of features at one low monthly price. Contact us today to boost your brand with a new site.